Millwall indebted to “best owner in English football”

John Berylson has been labelled the “best owner in English football” by Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh.

It has now been more than a year since supporters were allowed into football stradiums due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And Kavanagh has emphasised that the American’s financial support has been crucial in a tough financial time for the South London club.

In an update for Millwall’s official website, he said: “Revenue generated through iFollow subscriptions, match pass sales, the Lions Loyalty Club and other commercial initiatives has been incredibly important, and I thank everyone who has contributed to one or more of those streams.

“I also cannot articulate just how indebted we are to our chairman, John Berylson, for the way in which he continues to support the club year after year, but never more so than in the past 12 months. In my view we have the best chairman in English football for so many different reasons and hopefully he too can be back at matches sooner rather than later when restrictions are lifted, especially as he’s now fully vaccinated.

“There was a lot of talk in the media early on in the pandemic about whether its impact would provoke a long-term shift against historic overspending and general financial irregularities within football. As a club we continue to be of the belief that far stricter and more comprehensive regulations need to be in place – and be properly enforced – in order to ensure that no club and set of fans falls foul of irresponsible ownership or management.

“Throughout all the discussions that have occurred between clubs and the governing bodies we have been supportive of the idea that existing rules need to be enhanced and developed rather than thrown out, instead of another new set of guidelines being introduced for others simply to try and evade. We, as part of that debate, accepted the concept of a salary cap, but one which would sit alongside profitability and sustainability rules. We believe such a framework would best limit deficits and protect long-term futures of clubs for the sake of all stakeholders but most importantly their fans. Regulations should be about the long-term sustainability of the whole of football, not simply individual clubs.

“It remains to be seen what changes, if any, will be made to profit and sustainability regulations moving forward, although surely the selling of club stadia must be stopped. We all know competing in the Championship is difficult and financially challenging but the very future of clubs must not be put at risk and we certainly won’t allow the existence of Millwall to be gambled away in this manner.”

It is hoped that fans will be allowed back into matches next season as the vaccine programme continues to roll out.

Kavanagh said: “Since the Prime Minister revealed details of the government’s roadmap we have been able to really begin looking ahead to 2021-22 which we hope will start with full stadia. With this in mind we are finalising discussions around the club’s strategy for season tickets and memberships, and we anticipate going on sale with one if not both in just a few weeks’ time.

“Before then, though, there is the prospect of pilot events in football and we would again be delighted to host one or more if selected towards the end of this campaign. We’re not yet sure what format such pilots would take, or whether EFL fixtures would be in contention as part of the government’s plans, but we certainly hope so and will await further guidance from DCMS and other bodies.”